Recreational vehicle utility stowage and transfer system

ABSTRACT

An improved utility transfer and stowage system for recreational vehicles and other passenger vehicles or the like, comprising a baffled toilet holding tank and respective permanently installed, self-supporting, telescopic drain line assembly, in which the latter is provided with the inherent flexibility to enable its transfer from a stowage to a drain position. The distal end of the above drain line is provided with a water tight plug-in coupling, for connecting to the park sewer receptor, and its upstream end is provided with a permanently installed water wash down jet; a bathtub and integral baffled holding tank, of which the latter is cross connected with the kitchen sink and lavatory drains through suitable piping and valves, thereby providing for the sanitary isolation and controlled diversion of the accumulated drains into either a catch bucket or into the above mentioned toilet holding tank drain line assembly as deemed appropriate; a baffled potable water holding tank and respective permanently installed, precoiled, self-supporting, potable water hose, in which the distal end of the latter is provided with a plug-in adapter coupling, for connecting to the park potable water valve; a precoiled self-supporting electrical entrance cable and a pair of hinged covered carrying tubes for retention of the above mentioned cable and water hose.

United States Patent [191 Felizd Jack M. Feliz, 34-808 Via Echo, PalmSprings, Calif. 92262 [22] Filed: June 8, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 260,997

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 137/344, l37/355.16, 137/579, 285/165, 285/274 [51] Int. Cl.F16k 27/12 [58] Field of Search '137/355.16, 355.17, 344, 137/615;285/7, 165,273,274

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,496,959 2/1970 Wolfe eta1. 137/615 X 3,439,700 4/1969 Preston 137/615 X 3,520,725 7/1970Hamrick l37/355.l6 X 2,840,101 6/1958 Saylor 137/344 X 3,464,859 9/19'69Hamrick l37/355.l6 X 3,467,301 9/1969 Doyle et al. l37/355.16 X3,610,058 10/1971 Mueller et a1. l37/355.l6 X 3,623,500 11/1971 Hoy137/615 X 3,712,331 l/l973 Otto l37/355.l6

Primary Examinerl-lenry T. Klinksiek Attorney, Agent, or FirmHarris,Kern, Wa llen-& Tinsley [451 May 21, 1974 [57 ABSTRACT An improvedutility transfer and stowage system for recreational vehicles and otherpassenger vehicles or the like, comprising a baffled toilet holding tankand respective permanently installed, self-supporting, telescopic drainline assembly, in which the latter is provided with the inherentflexibility to enable its transfer from a stowage to a drain position.The distal end of the above drain line is provided with a water tightplug-in coupling, for connecting to the park sewer receptor, and itsupstream end is provided with a permanently installed water wash downjet; a bathtub and integral baffled holding tank, of which the'latter iscross connected with the kitchen sink and lavatory.

drains through suitable piping and valves, thereby providing for thesanitary isolation and controlled diversion of the accumulated drainsinto either a catch bucket or into the above mentioned toilet holding atank drain line assembly as deemed appropriate; a baffled potable waterholding tank and respective permanently installed, precoiled,self-supporting, potable water hose, in which the distal end of thelatter is provided with a plug-in adapter coupling, for connecting tothe park potable water valve; a precoiled selfsupporting electricalentrance cable and a pair of hinged covered carrying tubes for retentionof the above mentioned cable and water hose,

4 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PAYENTEDHAY 21 I974 3 8 1 1,46 2

sum 1 or 4 FIG. I.

F'MENTEDHAYPT I9?! SHEET 2 OF 4 o9 R N QE PATENTEUMY 2 1 1974 SHEET 3 OF4 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE UTILITY STOWAGE AND TRANSFER SYSTEM PRIORITYCLAIM I hereby claim the priority provided by my Disclosure Document No.002350, filed June 17, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to an improvement of theutility system for recreational vehicles, passenger buses or the like.

The chief aim of the present invention is to provide for a moremanageable, sanitary and safer utility stowage and transfer system.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION A general object of the presentinvention is to provide an improved toilet holding tank and respectivedrain line; a sink and bathtub holding tank and respective drain lines;a potable water holding tank and respective self-supporting hose; aself-supporting electric entrance cable; and a pair of carrying tubesfor the above mentioned cable and hose. I

In known types of flexible toilet holding tank drain lines, they are, inthe main, not entirely satisfactory due to their inherent encumbrance inconnecting, disconnecting, draining, washing, handling and stowing. Itis not uncommon to be confronted with the horrendous task of cleaning upthe parking site after an accidental spillage caused by the retractionof the drain hose from non-secure connections at the holding tank or atthe park sewer receptor when dumping the contents of the holding tank orwhen lifting the hose to drain out low pockets prior to disconnectingfor travel, and further to encounter, the unsanitary and revolting jobof disconnecting from the toilet holding tank, washing out andultimately stowing the wet limp sewer drain hose into its remotecarrying tube for travel, invariably resulting in contamination ofyourself and your potable water hose.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the abovementioned filthy and degrading job, by providing a permanently installedtoilet holding tank sewer drain line, supported within a hinged andswiveled series of telescopic tubes, to insure proper gravitationaldraining, combined with adequate flexibility to facilitate handling andstowage, and further, by providing for a water wash down jet permanentlyinstalled within the above mentioned toilet holding tank drain line.

It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the need forcarrying an extra length of flexible sewer drain hose to reach theoccasional distant park sewer receptor, and to reduce the number of hosefittings required to make connections to the varied park sewerreceptors. and further to reduce the discomforting, time consuming jobof exchanging the conventional type couplings. In the present invention,connecting and disconnecting to the varied park sewer receptors arefacilitated by the use of a combination internal-external quick changecoupling mounted to the distal end of the telescopic tubes. The internalportion of the quick change coupling readily permits interchange of thevaried type sewer couplings. The external portion of the quick changecoupling facilitates disengagement from the distal end of the telescopictubes, thereby permitting withdrawal of the quick change coupling andthe attached flexible drain hose to reach the occasional distant parksewer receptor, located beyond the normal extended range of thetelescopic tubes. The above extended range also provides the flexibilityrequired to connect with the occasional park sewer receptor, whosedirect access is obstructed and further, to provide the necessaryflexiblity to connect with a sewer receptor located in the bottom of anantifreeze box.

When the recreational vehicle park sewer receptors become nationallystandardized a more self-contained modification of the above mentionedtoilet holding tank drain line is provided for in this invention. In itspresent form the above modification can be plugged into all of thestandard vertical sewer receptors. During the transition tostandardization, certain interim modifications of the sewer couplingsare also provided for in this invention.

The above mentioned toilet holding tank drain line assembly and theprincipal modification thereto, will transform a degrading, timeconsuming job into a relatively clean task as easy to plug in and out asthe electrical entrance plug. The above mentioned telescopic drain lineassemblies could be feasibly used on liquid carrying vehicles,transporting gasoline, milk and the like.

A further object of this invention is to reduce pollution of ourrecreational areas caused by the uncontrolled draining on our camp sitesof seemingly harmless lavatory, kitchen sink and bathtub drains whichare frequently contaminated with human refuse, introduced directly intothe drain system or indirectly contaminated from residue deposited inthe open crossconnected drain lines from previous occasions when dumpingthe toilet holding tank. The above unsanitary conditions are averted inthe present'invention by the installation of an independent lavatory,sink andlbath tub drain holding tank, connected by suitable piping andvalves to maintain a sanitary isolated storage and to control thediversion of the respective drain waters into either, a catch bucket forultimate carrying to a designated disposal station, in parks where hookups are not available or by diverting the drains through a stop andcheck valve into the toilet holding tank drain line where park hook upsare provided.

It is another object of the present invention to dispense with the needfor washing, coiling, and tying the electric entrance cable and thepotable water hose prior to stowing for travel. Washing the abovedisconnected cable and hose is necessary because the utility area isfrequently wet and contaminated with human refuse. In the presentinvention the above undesirable task is eliminated by preforming aresilient electric cable and potable water hose into resilient helicalcoils having built-in memories biasing them into contracted states, orby encasing them in or building thereinto suitable plastic coated coilsprings having sufficient tension to provide self-support above theground level between the park utility receptors and the recreationalvehicle. When released from the park utility receptors the abovementioned cable and hose will readily recoil into their respectivecarrying tubes for travel, and further, the distal end of the abovementioned water hose is provided with an adapter coupling, making "theconnection to the park water valve as easy to plug in and out as theabove mentioned electrical entrance plug.

More generally, an object is to provide a tubular housing containing aspring biased helical conduit which will retract itself into its housingafter being withdrawn therefrom and released.

A further object of this invention is to diminish the dangerous anddamaging forces created by the free surface effect of a fluid in motion.This condition is very prevalent in partially filled potable water,toilet, and bathtub holding tanks where suitable baffle plates arenon-existent, thus contributing to the upsetting moments of force as therecreation vehicle turns a corner, sways due to wind action, or unevenroad surfaces. In addition, acceleration and deceleration of the vehiclecreates similar forces which contribute to escalated wear of thevehicles power train and brakes, thereby causing premature repairs. Inthe present invention these safety hazards and undue wear are greatlyreduced by the installation of longitudinal and transverse divisionalbaffles within the holding tanks.

Another object of this invention is to eliminate the extraneous fittingsand rust frozen retainer nuts and studs on the inlet and outlet flangesto the toilet holding tank. In the present invention nonferrous retainerrings with integral studs are embedded in the tank flanges therebypermitting the toilet and the holding tank drain valve to be connecteddirectly to the tank surfaces, thus contributing to compactness and easyremoval of the retaining nuts when effecting repairs.

It is another object of the present invention to conserve space and costby fabricating the bathtub and its associated holding tank into anintegral unit.

The foregoing objects, advantages, features and results of the presentinvention, together with various other objects, advantages, features andresults thereof which will be evident to those skilled in the art towhich the invention relates in the light of this disclosure, may beachieved with the exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated inthe accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING In the drawings: FIG. I is a fragmentary sideelevational view, of one form ofa recreational vehicle, illustrating theimproved of FIG. 1, illustrating an improved toilet holding tank withthe respective drain assembly, and the combination bathtub with therespective drain holding tank;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken asindicated along the angled arrows IV-IV of FIG. 3, illustrating thetoilet holding tank baffle plates, embedded bolt rings and a portion ofthe water wash down jet;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken asindicated along the angled arrows V-V of FIG. 4, illustrating details ofthe water wash down j t;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken asindicated alongthe angled arrows VI-VI of FIG. 3, illustrating thebathtub holding tank baffle plates, drain trap and non-return valve;

FIG. 7 taken with FIG. 6, constitutes an end portion of the bathtubholding tank, illustrating the tank vent and access cover;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partly in section, taken asindicated along the angled arrows VIIIVIII of FIG. 1, illustrating thetoilet holding tank drain hose, supporting telescopic tubes and the dualquick change coupling; I

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in section, taken as indicated along theangled arrows IX-IX of FIG. 8, illustrating details of the dual quickchange coupling and associated attachments;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating theadapter coupling for the distal end of the potable water hose;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, corresponding to FIG.3, illustrating a modification to the toilet holding tank drainassembly;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, corresponding to aportion of FIG. 1 1, illustrating a modification to the terminal elbowof the telescopic tube assembly; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, corresponding toFIG. 5, illustrating a modification to the water wash down jet. I

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG.1 of the drawings, the vehicle 1 is provided with a built-in locker 2,whose access door 3 is mounted flush and hinged at 4 to theexterior hullplating. The door 3 is provided with a resilient gasket 8 and a lockingdevice 9. The contents'of the locker 2 will be described hereinafter.

Toilet Holding Tank Drain Assembly Housed within the previouslymentioned locker 2 is the telescopic toilet holding tank drain hose 25,supported within the hinged and swiveled telescopic tube assembly T, andassociated'quick change couplings, to be described later. When the door3 is'in the open posi tion the telescopic tubes T may be withdrawn fromthe spring retaining clips 11 and lowered from a stowage to a drainingposition on the affixed offset hinges l4, rotating downwardly aboutfulcra 15 (FIGS. 2 and 3), in turn supported by the rotatable swivelbracket 16, in turn secured to the swivel fulcra 17, which in turn issecured to the swivel plate 18 and the latter in turn is secured as byscrews 19 to the lower surface of the vehicles floor boards 20, The trapdoor 5 is normally closed by the spring-biased hinge 6. The door 5 ismechanically urged into the open position as the telescopic tubes T arelowered, at first being urged by hose 25 and subsequently by the plasticlug 7, which is secured to the hinge l4 and the telescopic tube 21. Theabove arrangement facilitates handling, stowing and draining of the hose25, by providing stowage for the telescopic tubes T, and the drain hose25 without disconnecting from the vehicle 1, and further, to be whollycontained within the exterior hull plating for road travel or readilylowered into a draining position below the overhang of vehicle 1,thereby permitting horizontal rotation of the telescopic tube assembly Twithin a scope of 360 for alignment with the varied park sewerreceptors, and further providing a supported incline that will assureproper gravitational draining of the drain hose 25. Retracting andstowing of the telescopic tubes T, for road travel, automatically permitthe trap door 5 to close against suitable stops 12, thence when door 3is manually closed it will in turn overlap the door 5, and form aninterlocking cover over the bottom of the locker 2, thus restoring thestreamline characteristics to the exterior hull plating of thevehicle 1. The upstream end of the drain hose is permanently secured byclamp 26 to the elbow 27 insuring a secure connection between theflexible hose 25 and the stationary elbow 27, however, the clamp 26 isreadily removed to effect repairs to the toilet drain system. Alightening hole 24 in the vehicle frame 31 (FIG. 2) is utilized toeffect passage of the hose 25.

Jet Assembly Referring to the FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, the water wash downjet assembly J is integral with elbow 27, comprising a jet orifice 35,and a centrally positioned diffuser ball 36, (as best seen in FIG. 5)which the latter in turn is secured to the removable strainer plate 37,which in turn is retained by the flanged nipple 38, the latter in turnis made water tight by the neoprene O-ring 39 and the threaded throatbushing 40. The water'for the jet assembly J is supplied from thevehicles potable water piping system 45, (FIG. 1) through the cut outvalve 46 located in locker 2. The potable water system is safeguardedfrom contamination by the anti-siphon valve 47, and the swing checkvalve 49 (FIG. 2) which are installed in the wash water pipe line 48between the potable water cutout valve 46 and the water wash down jetassembly J. The activation of the jet assembly J is controlled by cutoutvalve 46 and should be preferably opened prior to dumping the contentsof the toilet holding tank 31, by means of the reach rod 29 and cut outvalve 30, thereby intensifying the flow of its contents and preventing aback surge into the jet assembly. After the contents of the tank 31 havebeen evacuated, the holding tank valve 30 should be closed, thensubsequently the closing of the valve 46 will insure a clean andadequately drained hose 25, and in addition insure a fully chargedpotable water system prior to disconnecting from the park utilities.

The above arrangement of the toilet holding tank drain assembly andrespective water wash down jet, precludes the need for disconnecting,handling, hand washing. and stowing a wet limp hose in its remotecarrying tube after each use as currently practiced.

Toilet Holding Tank Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the toiletholding tank 31 is rectangular in plan and is constructed of fiber glassor other suitable material. Integral with tank 31, is the reinforcedlower outlet flange 55 and the upper reinforced inlet flange 56.Embedded within the above mentioned flanges are stainless steel or othersuitable nonferrous type retaining rings 57, and integral studs 58,threaded on the distal ends, which facilitate securing ofthe dump valve30 and the toilet 69 directly to the tank 31, which will eliminateextraneous fittings, provide compactness and facilitate removal of thestainless steel nuts 70 to effect repairs. There are certain typetoilets that can be attached directly to the upper flange 56, however anadapter spool 63 is provided (FIG. 4) to accommodate those toilets withdifferent base configurations. The tank 31 is further provided with abaffle plate assembly which comprises the vertical transverse andlongitudinal baffle plates 65, which relate to a series of rectangularboxes diminishing in size which are open at the top and bottom and heldan equal distance apart by webs 66. The inner bottom of tank 31 supportsthe feet 64 of the webs 66. The webs 66 in turn are secured to andsupport the baffle plates 65 which in turn support the top of tank 31,the latter in turn supports the integral toilet mounting flange 56 andin turn supports the toilet 69 (FIG. 3) secured thereto. The lower coreof the baffle plates 65 and webs 66 are pyramidal in configuration topermit dispersal of the larger solid wastes as the liquid level rises inthe tank 31, thus preventing the total accumulation of waste beingtrapped in the central cell directly under the toilet discharge. Thetops of the baffle plates 65 and the webs 66 are provided with grooves67 to permit air equalization. The vent pipe 68 provides for gas escapeand pressure equalization of tank 31. The configuration of the baffleplates 65 and the webs 66, facilitates draining of the solid wastesandreduces the upsetting moments of force created by the free surfaceeffect of a fluid in motion.

Telescopic Tube Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, thetelescopic tube assembly T comprises a series of tubes increasing indiameter to provide sufficient clearance between sections to receive thelow friction stationary guide rings 73, the stationary stop rings 74 andthe slidable guide rings 75. The rings 73 and 74 are secured to theinside of the tube 21 and the ring 75 is secured to the outside of tube22. As the tube 22 is extended, the ring 75 is slidingly engaged withthe tube 21 until terminated by striking against the stop ring 74. Theoverlap ping distance, between rings 73 and 75 provide for the mutualsupport of their respective tubes. In the interest of brevity, identicalstop and guidev rings mentioned above are located between the tubes'22and 23 but are not illustrated. Total retraction of the telescopic tubes22 and 23 are prevented by the lug 7 and the handle 79 respectively.

A cylindrical cam plate 76 is secured to the distal end of the tube 23,and is provided with a helical groove 77 to receive the hose clamphousing 81, as will be described later. Integral with the cam plate 76are the hinge brackets 78, provided to support the telescopic tubehandle 79.

Quick Change Coupling Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dualquick change coupling assembly C, comprises the coupling 82 of which theupstream portion 83 receives the distal end of the flexible drain hose25, secured thereon by means of the hose clamp 80. The hose clamp wormgear housing 81 is inserted in the helical groove 77 of the cam plate 76and is rotatably engaged by gripping the hand grip grooves 84 and thehandle 79, to effect a semi-rigid connection between the coupling 82 andthe telescopic tube 23. The semi-rigid connection permits limitedflexibility to properly align the interchangeable couplings with thepark sewer receptors to be described later. The dual quick changecoupling as sembly serves a two-fold function in that it provides anexpeditious means to disengage the coupling 82 from the telescopic tube23, for the purpose of withdrawing the drain hose 25, in order to reachthe occasional distant park sewer receptor located beyond the normalextended range of the telescopic tubes, or when additional flexiblity isrequired to connect to the occasional obstructed, or to the deep setsewer receptor located in the bottom of an antifreeze box. The abovementioned extended range is achieved by the utilization ofa closewoundtension type sewer drain hose, in which the extended length isequivalent to two lengths of the more common open-wound compression typesewer hose. The self-recoiling feature of the close-wound drain hosereadily permits retraction into the telescopic tubes when released fromthe sewer receptor.

The other function of the dual quick change coupling 82 is to provide ameans for receiving the interchangeable couplings 85, 86 and 87 andfurther to provide a water tight coupling seal. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9the coupling 85 is engaged to the dual coupling 82, and the straightcouplings 86 and 87 are stowed in locker 2 of FIG. 1. The coupling 82 isfurther provided with the internalsegmented threads 88 and the O-ring90. The interchangeable couplings 85, 86 and 87 are provided withexternal segmented threads 89 and when rotatably engaged against thethreads 88, a water tight seal will be effected between the coupling 82,the O-ring 90 and the abovementioned interchangeable couplings 85, 86

and 87.

The couplings 85 and 86 are constructed of ABS plastic or other suitablematerial, and secured thereon, are the tapered neoprene stopper rings 91or other suitable resilient material, and when forced into the parksewer receptors, a substantial degree of water tight integrity iscreated. The coupling 87 is constructed of brass or other non-ferrousmetals, in order to resist damage to the standard tapered pipe threads92. The coupling 87 will provide a water tight seal when engaged withlike standard threads of the park sewer receptors; however. in view ofthe varied sizes and damaged threads encountered in many parks, thethreaded coupling 87 is not always satisfactory. The coupling 86 is theleast preferable, however, there are a few nonthreaded horizontal parksewer receptors that will require the above type coupling for someundetermined future. 1

The coupling 85 is the most preferred type in view of its quick plug inand out connection to the park sewer receptor, the anti-retractionfeature, the water tightness and the close proximity to the grade levelthereby providing a maximum drainage slope and accessibility to thepreferred vertical sewer receptor, whichhas been approved by the Stateof California.

The terminal cap 97 (FIGS. 1 and 9) is provided with a neoprene O-ring98 to effect a drip and odor proof seal when engaged to the distal endof the interchangeable coupling. The cap 97 is secured to the telescopictube handle 79, by the lanyard 99.

The coupling 87 is further provided with an annular lip 95 to receivethe above mentioned terminal cap '97.

Sink and Bath Drain Holding Tank Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 3 and6, the sink and bath drain holding tank, comprises a double deckcontainer constructed of fiber glass or other suitable material. Theupper level consists ofa bathtub 105 and the lower level consists ofadrain holding tank 106. The tank 106 is provided with transverse andlongitudinal baffles 107 and 108, respectively, which relate to a seriesof rectangularinterconnected boxes which are open at the top and bottom.The feet 109 are integral with and support the baffles 107 and 108 at asuitable height above the bottom, botton, thereby permitting gradualequalization of the drain water within the tank 106. The top surface ofthe baffle plates 107 and 108 are provided with grooves 67 to permit airequalization and further to provide a supporting structure for thebathtub 105. The vent pipe 68 (FIG. 7) provides for gas escape andpressure equalization for. the tank 106.

The vent pipe 68 is secured to the access plate 111 which in turn issecured to the end wall of tank 106 by means of the embedded stainlesssteel retaining ring 112, integral studs 113 and retaining nuts 1 14.The access plate 111 provides access for the clearing ofobstructeddrains, repairs or replacement to the nonreturn valve 117, which isconstructed of neoprene or other suitable resilient material. The valve117 is secured to the conventional drain trap 116 by the hose clamp 118.The above arrangement permits the flow of the tub drains into theholding tank 106, but prevents their return.

The above mentioned baffle plate assembly can be related to theconventional ice cube tray, in that the baffle plates subdivide thewater content into individual non-tight cells, thus permitting a gradualingressor egress of the drain water between the adjacent cells. Theabove mentioned restriction to flow will diminish the wave action of theaccumulated drain waters, thereby reducing the magnitude of theupsetting moments of force created by the free surface effect of thefluid in motion, thereby providing a safer holding tank for recreationalvehicles and the like.

Sink and Bath Drain Transfer Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 2 and3,'the sink and bath drain transfer assembly, comprises a main drainline 124 common to the holding tank drain line 121, lavatory sink drainline 122 and the kitchen sink drain line 123. When the vehicle is parkedthe cross connection valve 125 is manually opened by reach rod 126,permitting free communication of the sink and lavatory drains with theholding tank drains. The valve 125 is secured while traveling to isolatethe holding tank 106 to prevent possible surging of the drain water intothe sink and lavatory.

It appears feasible to install vertical non-return valves in the drainlines 122 and 123, to prevent back surging in lieu of the manual cut outvalve 125.

The reach rods 29 and 126 previously mentioned are protected from damageby the vehicle bumper 32 and could be enclosed to prevent unauthorizeduse.

When the vehicle is hooked up to a park sewer receptor, the accumulatedsink and bath drains may be diverted into the toilet holding tank drainline 25 through cut out valve 130 which is operated by reach rod 131located in locker 2 (see also P10. 1) thence through the horizontalswing check valve 132, in turn through nipple 133, thence discharginginto the elbow 27 of the toilet holding tank drain line assembly, aspreviously described.

When the vehicle is parked at a campsite in which sewer hookups are notavailable. the accumulated drains may be diverted through the drainvalve 135 thereby controlling the flow of the drain water into a catchbucket for ultimate carrying to a designated disposal station. Theterminal cap 136 is secured to the valve 135 when not in use to preventunauthorized draining.

Potable Water Holding Tank Assembly Referring now to FIG. 2, the potablewater holding tank 140 is rectangular in plan and comprises an identicalbaffle plate system with commensurate safety features as previouslydescribed for the sink and bath drain holding tank 106. The exteriorplating of the tank 140 is provided with the conventional filling anddischarge pipe connections.

Electrical and Potable Water Transfer Assembly Referring now to FIGS. 1and 2, the inboard ends of the electric entrance cable and the potablewater hose 145 and 146 respectively, are secured to the vehicle frame 31as by clamps (not shown) to prevent total withdrawal from theirrespective carrying tubes 147 and 148. The cable 145 and hose 146 areresilient and preformed into helical coils which inherently biasthemselves into contracted states. The above arrangement provides aself-storing feature, facilitating withdrawal and self-recoil into theirrespective carrying tubes. The carrying tube cover doors 149 and 150 arehinged at 151 and 152 respectively. The. recesses 143 are provided inthe bottom overhang of the tubes 147 and 148 to receive the cable 145and hose 146 after a sufficient length has been withdrawn to reach thepark electric and water receptors. The doors 149 and 150 are then closedand locked to retain the unused coils within the carrying tubes, whichare not required for that particular hookup. The above lockingarrangement provides an adjustable means to maintain adequate tension onthe cable and hose to permit selfsupport above the contaminated groundlevel. A lanyard may be required to secure the electrical plug of thecable 145 to some of the older type park receptors.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the adapter 154 provides a means to facilitateconnecting and disconnecting the quick change coupling 144 attached tothe distal end of the hose 146 to the conventional park garden hosevalve.

The adapter 154 comprises a standard garden type threaded femalecoupling 155, a hose gasket 156 and the male portion 157 ofthe standardquick change coupling. The adapter 154 is further provided with fingertightening spokes 158 to facilitate tightening the adapter to the parkwater valve. The adapter is further provided with a retaining ring 159which in turn is secured to the hose 146 by lanyard 160 to prevent loss.The above adapter will be required until national standardization of thepark water valves are provided with the male portion of the quick changecoupling. The conventional precoiled nylon air hose 146 and its attachedquick change coupling 144 are readily adaptable for use as arecreational vehicle water hose, in addition the female portion of thequick change coupling serves as a non-return check valve to retain thewater pressure in the vehicles potable water system when disconnectedfrom the male portion of the adapter 154.

The foregoing electrical and water transfer assembly eliminates the needto disconnect the water hose from the vehicle water system, and furtherto preclude the need to wash, tie and stow the cable and hose in aconventional locker, amid other entangled paraphernalia,thustransforming a dirty discomforting job into a clean expeditioustask.

Modified Toilet Holding Tank Drain Assembly FIG. 11 illustrates amodified telescopic toilet holding tank drain assembly constructed ofABS plastic or other suitable material. The components. having theircounterparts in the first embodiment of the invention are identified bythe same reference numerals and only those features requiring a changeof parts are identified by new reference numerals of the 200" series.The principal change is in the water tight structure of the telescopictubes and their supporting vertical and horizontal rotatable elbows,which provide the required flexibility for alignment with the parkreceptor, and further provides for the proper gravitational draining andstowage for traveling in a like manner described in the first embodimentof the invention. The telescopic tube assembly T, comprises an elbow 200with an integral handle 201. The elbow 200 is secured to the distal endof the telescopic tube 202, which the latter in turn is slidably engagedwithin the telescopic tube 203,'the latter in turn is slidably engagedwithin the supporting tube 204. The water tight integrity is achievedbetween the telescopic tubes by the means ofa slidingly engaged neoprenestop and guide ring 206 which is secured in an annular recess 205 on theupstream end of the telescopic tube 203. The ring 206 is provided with aconical inlet 209, to minimize the restriction of flow, and to preventthe accumulation of waste particles. The ring 206 fits snugly againstthe inner wall of 'tube 204 and in conjunction with the peripheralgrooves 207 and the lands 208 provide a water tight means, permittingthe extension and retraction of the tube 203 within the tube 204. Athreaded terminal bushing 210 is secured to the distal end of the tube204. The bushing 210 is further provided with integral stop and guiderings 211 and 214. The extension of tube 203 is terminated when the stopand guide ring 206 strikes the stationary stop and guide ring 214,thereby providing suitable overlap between the tubes 203 and 204 formutual support. The threaded end portion ofring 210 receives the handtightened ring nut 212, which in turn is provided with an O-ring 213,which the latter in'turn is seated against the stop and guide ring 211.An annular recess 215 is provided between the stop and guide rings 211and 214 to reduce frictional contact with the slidably engaged tube 203.The hand tightened ring nut 212 is tightened when the tube 203 has beenextended to the desired length thus insuring maximum water tightintegrity from any small quantity of water that may have leaked past thestop and guide ring 206. The stop and guide rings 206, 211 and 214further provide support and concentric guidance for the tube 203.

An identical water tight sealing assembly as described above isinstalled between the telescopic tubes 202 and 203, but are notdescribed or illustratedin the interest of brevity. If and when thestandardization of the park sewer inlets become more exacting, only onetelescopic section may be required in lieu of the two sections mentionedabove.

The supporting tube 204 is secured to the threaded end of the elbow 220and made water tight by O-ring 221 or other suitable gasket material.The elbow 220 is rotatably engaged to nipple 223 and secured thereto bythe retaining bolt 224. The distal end of the bolt 224 rotates withinthe annular groove 225 of the nipple 223. A water tight seal is providedbetween the rotat- V able elbow 220 and the fixed nipple 223 by themeans of a pair of O-rings 227, thus permitting the elbow 220 and theattached telescopic tube assembly, to rotate horizontally about thefulcra nipple 223, for appropriate alignment with the park receptor. Thenipple 223 is secured to the elbow 230, which in turn is secured to thenipple 231 (partially shown) in an identical manner as previouslydescribed for the rotatable end of the elbow 220. The vertical rotationof elbow 230 about its fulcra nipple 231, enables the telescopic tubeassembly to be transited from the draining to the stowage position aspreviously described in the first embodiment of this invention. Thenipple 231 is secured to the elbow 232 which in turn is secured to thenipple 233 which the later in turn is supported by bracket 234. Thebracket 234 should be secured to nipple 231, however for purposes ofclarity it is attached to the nipple 233. The bracket 234 is secured tothe vehicle frame 31. The nipple 233 is secured to the elbow 27, whichin turn houses the water wash down jet assembly .1 as previouslydescribed in the first embodiment of this invention.

The above arrangement facilitates handling, connecting, disconnecting,draining, washing and stowing of the toilet holding tank drain transferassembly, in addition it further provides for adequate water tightintegrity, supported drain incline and the flexibility required toachieve its prescribed function. In the event that futurestandardization may require the recreational vehicle toilet drain lineto be threadedly engaged to a park receptor. comprising a 90 elbow,connected to a vertical sewer stand pipe. the necessary provisions havebeen made in this invention to modify the terminal coupling as providedfor in FIG. l2, comprising a threaded ball socket 233, secured to thedistal end of the telescopic tube 202. The hand tightening nut 234, isthreadedly engaged to the ball socket 233. An O-ring 235 is securedwithin an annular recess in the ball socket 233, to effect water tightintegrity between the socket and the ball 236 when compressed by thering nut 234. lntegral with the hollow ball 236 is a hollow shaft 237,the latter in turn is externally provided with the hand tighteninggrooves 238 and standard pipe threads 239 for engagement to the parkthreaded elbow receptor.

In the event that standardization should turn toward a vertical parksewer receptor, requiring a threaded connection, the elbow 200,previously described, could be mutually modified to receive the abovementioned ball socket 233, in order to vertically orient the axis of theball shaft 237 for engagement of its threaded end portion 239 to thevertical park sewer receptor.

Modified Jet Assembly FIG. 13 illustrates a modified water wash down jetassembly. The components having their counterparts in the firstdescribed embodiment of the invention are identified by the samereference numerals and only those features requiring a change of partsare identified by new numerals of the 300 series. The principal changeis that the combination jet and non-return valve 301, is a substitutionfor the swing check valve 49, the

diffuser ball 36 and the strainer plate 37. The valve 301 is shown inthe open position, as caused by the exertion of the wash-water pressure.The valve 301 is provided with the tangential orifices 302 and adiffuser cone 303 which impart a whirling motion to the water wash spraycone. The valve 301 is slidably engaged withthe valve body 304, whichhas a conical outlet that provides a seat for the diffuser cone 303.When the potable water cut out valve 46 is secured, the valve 301, willbe automatically urged into a closed position by the coil spring 305,thus preventing the entry of waste particles into the jet orifices 302.

Although two exemplary embodiments and modifications of the inventionhave been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it will beunderstood that various other changes, modifications and substitutionsmay be incorporated without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined by the claims which follow.

vl claim as my invention:

1. In a tank draining system, the combination of:

a. a tank having a drain;

b. telescoping conduit means; 4

c. swivel means mounting said conduit means for swiveling movementrelative to said drain;

d. said swivel means including a swivelplate fixed relative to saidtank, and a swivel bracket pivotally connected to said swivel plate forpivotal movement abouta vertical axis;

e. said swivel means further including hinge means fixedly connected tosaid conduit means and pivotally connected to said swivel bracket forpivotal movement about a horizontal axis perpendicular toandintersecting said vertical axis; and

f. an extensible and contractible hose in said conduit means andconnected at one end to said drain.

2. A tank draining system according to claim 1 including means forinjecting a flushing liquid into said drain.

3. In a tank draining system, the combination of:

a. a tank having a drain;

b. telescoping conduit means connected to said drain;

c. swivel means mounting said telescoping conduit means for swivelingmovement relative to said drain;

d. an extensible and self-contractible helical hose within saidtelescoping conduit means;

e. said hose being connected at one end to said drain;

f. said hose having connected to its other end a fitting detachablyconnected to the outer end of said telescoping conduit means, wherebysaid fitting may be detached from said telescoping conduit means topermit extension of said hose and withdrawal of said hose from saidconduit means; and

g. said hose embodying self-contracting means biasing it into saidtelescoping conduit means, whereby said hose will retract itself intosaid telescoping conduit means upon being withdrawn therefrom andreleased.

4. A tank draining system according to claim 3 including means forinjecting a flushing liquid into said drain.

a: w :k at

1. In a tank draining system, the combination of: a. a tank having adrain; b. telescoping conduit means; c. swivel means mounting saidconduit means for swiveling movement relative to said drain; d. saidswivel means including a swivel plate fixed relative to said tank, and aswivel bracket pivotally connected to said swivel plate for pivotalmovement about a vertical axis; e. said swivel means further includinghinge means fixedly connected to said conduit means and pivotallyconnected to said swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontalaxis perpendicular to and intersecting said vertical axis; and f. anextensible and contractible hose in said conduit means and connected atone end to said drain.
 2. A tank draining system according to claim 1including means for injecting a flushing liquid into said drain.
 3. In atank draining system, the combination of: a. a tank having a drain; b.telescoping conduit means connected to said drain; c. swivel meansmounting said telescoping conduit means for swiveling movement relativeto said drain; d. an extensible and self-contractible helical hosewithin said telescoping conduit means; e. said hose being connected atone end to said drain; f. said hose having connected to its other end afitting detachably connected to the outer end of said telescopingconduit means, whereby said fitting may be detached from saidtelescoping conduit means to permit extension of said hose andwithdrawal of said hose from said conduit means; and g. said hoseembodying self-contracting means biasing it into said telescopingconduit means, whereby said hose will retract itself into saidtelescoping conduit means upon being withdrawn therefrom and released.4. A tank draining system according to claim 3 including means forinjecting a flushing liquid into said drain.